A Fragile Design

by Tracie Peterson

  Bella gasped. ‘‘You ought not speak to an elder in such a fashion,’’ she said without thinking.

  ‘‘Stay out of this, Bella. We all know you and Daughtie are the perfect little Shakers or Quakers or whatever you call yourselves. This is none of your business.’’

  Bella glanced at Janet and then toward Miss Addie. ‘‘You’re right; it isn’t. I apologize for interfering.’’

  ‘‘Thank you for your apology, Bella,’’ Miss Addie replied before tilting her gaze upward to meet Janet’s stare. ‘‘Come along, Janet,’’ she said firmly. ‘‘Otherwise, I’ll be forced to write a letter to your supervisor that I’m requesting your removal from my house for failure to abide by the rules.’’

  Janet clenched her fists and glared at Miss Addie. ‘‘Where does it say I must attend a tea at Lilly Cheever’s home?’’

  ‘‘The contract you signed says that you will conduct yourself in a proper ladylike manner. The rules also say that I am the judge of acceptable behavior. Now please get your cape and let’s be on our way. I don’t intend to be late.’’

  It was a beautiful early summer day as the girls walked down Jackson Street, two by two, with an excited buzz filling the air as they passed the row of boardinghouses. It wasn’t often the mill girls were invited to visit one of the fine homes in Lowell. Several of Miss Addie’s girls had known Lilly before she married Matthew Cheever, when she had been a resident of Miss Addie’s boardinghouse while they all worked at the Appleton. Now they dreamed about the same fairy-tale marriage occurring in their own lives.

  Bella thought them rather silly. It wasn’t a matter of not wanting to ever marry; it was the way the girls seemed to put such stock in marrying someone well-to-do. Whatever happened to marrying for love? Marrying a man whom you love, no matter his station, made you glad to be alive. Bella wanted that kind of marriage.

  She ignored the chatter of her friends and thought instead of Jesse. She wouldn’t have had that kind of marriage with him. He was sweet and gentle-natured, but he would never be the kind of man Bella needed. Bella needed a man who could stand his ground with her—who wouldn’t be overrun by her temper or opinionated manner.

  Not that I don’t need desperately to alter those areas, she thought. I need a man who won’t be afraid of my mind or the fact that I enjoy learning and expanding my knowledge. I don’t need someone of high status or lofty ambitions, but I do need a man who can provide for his family.

  Bella’s breath caught in her throat as they arrived at the Cheever home. It was a large frame house with a wide porch wrapping around the front and side, unlike anything Bella had previously seen. Willow chairs sat on the porch, beckoning visitors to sit awhile and smell the early summer blooms that lined the stone walkway and surrounded the outline of the covered porch. Rosebushes with their buds revealing a hint of pink were strategically planted in a small garden on the east side of the house, and the afternoon breeze was heavy with the smell of fragrant honeysuckle blossoms.

  ‘‘It’s difficult to imagine living in a place such as this,’’ Bella whispered to Daughtie.

  Daughtie nodded her head. ‘‘It’s as big as the house all the Sisters and Brothers lived in. Don’t you love the porch? It’s a shame the Society thought porches too worldly.’’

  Bella smiled. ‘‘It’s not so much the porch, Daughtie, it’s the ornamentation a porch provides that causes the Believers to fault them. The Brothers and Sisters would be aghast at the ornate carving on the front door,’’ she said. ‘‘But I find it beautiful.’’

  ‘‘Ohhh, and look at the columns. They look like the drawings from the Roman Empire in our history book. Don’t you think?’’

  ‘‘Yes, that’s probably where they got the idea. Sister Minerva said every generation copies from the preceding generations—that nothing is original,’’ Bella replied.

  ‘‘Well, I find that statement difficult to believe. There are new inventions every day. Aren’t those monstrous machines we use at the mills a new idea? I don’t think any of that machinery was in use several generations ago,’’ Daughtie replied.

  ‘‘Perhaps you’re correct, Daughtie. It would be nice to think of Sister Minerva being wrong at least once in her lifetime, wouldn’t it?’’

  Bella and Daughtie giggled in unison as they walked into the foyer, where Miss Addie stood alongside Lilly to introduce each guest as she passed by.

  ‘‘And these are my two newest friends and boarders,’’ Miss Addie told Lilly. ‘‘This,’’ she said, patting Daughtie’s shoulder, ‘‘is Miss Daughtie Winfield. And this,’’ she continued while taking Bella’s hand, ‘‘is Miss Arabella Newberry—we call her Bella. Both the girls have come from the Shaker community outside of Concord.’’

  ‘‘Oh yes, I’ve heard tell of it. In Canterbury, isn’t it?’’ Lilly inquired.

  ‘‘Yes, that’s correct,’’ Bella answered.

  Lilly gave them an inviting smile. ‘‘I’m eager to visit with you. Please be sure to save a few moments so that we may chat.’’

  ‘‘Why does she want to talk to us?’’ Daughtie inquired as the girls worked their way into the parlor and then moved onward into the adjoining music room.

  ‘‘She was merely being courteous, Daughtie. You needn’t be so suspicious of everyone. Oh, look at this piano. Isn’t it beautiful?’’

  Lilly approached and stood to one side. ‘‘Do you play?’’

  Bella nodded and turned. ‘‘My mother was quite accomplished. She taught me when I was very young, but I haven’t played for years.’’

  ‘‘You’re welcome to entertain us,’’ Lilly offered.

  ‘‘No. It’s been too long, and playing the piano reminds me of my mother. She died several years ago,’’ Bella explained. Sometimes it seemed as if her mother had died only yesterday—the pain was so tangible.

  Lilly took her hand. ‘‘I understand.’’

  Daughtie drifted off with Miss Addie and the other girls as they took their places visiting in the various rooms. Because of this, Bella felt free to question Lilly Cheever. ‘‘Your mother is deceased, also?’’

  ‘‘Yes,’’ Lilly replied. ‘‘Come sit down and let’s visit. Miss Addie tells me you’ve become one of her favorite people, and she’s an excellent judge of character.’’

  Bella followed Lilly to one of the settees across the room and sat down. The cushioning made Bella feel as though she were sitting on a cloud. ‘‘Your home is beautiful,’’ Bella complimented while gazing about the room. Gold-framed oil paintings decorated the wall opposite her. The paintings were of a variety of pastoral settings. The only exception was the large oil over the fireplace. This painting was a most becoming memorial to Lilly Cheever’s wedding day. Bella couldn’t imagine what it might be like to sit and pose for such a thing. Pulling her thoughts back to Lilly’s questioning gaze, she added, ‘‘I particularly like the porch.’’

  Lilly smiled and nodded. ‘‘Matthew said large porches belong in the South, but I envision lots of children playing out there, even on rainy days. Wouldn’t that be delightful fun?’’

  Bella laughed. ‘‘Yes, I suppose it would. Miss Addie is quite proud that you once lived with her. She tells all of us how you saved her position with the Corporation by teaching her how to cook. I’m sure you know that you have her undying devotion.’’

  Lilly blushed at the praise. ‘‘Miss Addie gives me far too much credit for her success. I am pleased, however, that her boardinghouse is considered one of the finest in Lowell. It’s obvious she enjoys her work—perhaps too much.’’

  ‘‘How can it be harmful to enjoy your work?’’

  ‘‘Sometimes she tends to put you girls ahead of her personal life,’’ Lilly hedged.

  Bella gave a knowing look. ‘‘You mean with Mr. Farnsworth, don’t you?’’

  ‘‘He’s a fine man. I think she should marry him, move into his home, and begin a joyous life with him. Unfortunately, she thinks if they marry, he should move into the boardingho
use, where she would continue with her boardinghouse duties. I doubt whether he’ll come around to her way of thinking. But I fear she’ll lose him to another if she doesn’t change her mind,’’ Lilly explained, shaking her head. ‘‘I’m not sure why I’m telling you this except I can tell you’ve come to care for Miss Addie, as I did. Perhaps we can conspire to convince her to reconsider.’’

  ‘‘I would think Mr. Farnsworth would be delighted to move into the boardinghouse if for no other reason than to rid himself of his nephew,’’ Bella confided. The memory of her encounters with Taylor Manning caused Bella to twist her hands together.

  ‘‘Taylor Manning? You don’t find him amusing?’’ Lilly inquired.

  ‘‘Frankly, I find him rather pompous and lacking in manners.’’

  Lilly didn’t immediately respond. Instead, she gave Bella a curious smile. ‘‘You would agree that he’s very handsome, wouldn’t you?’’

  ‘‘I would agree that Taylor Manning believes himself very handsome. To me, however, his appearance is completely diminished by his boorish behavior,’’ Bella countered. ‘‘Someone is attempting to gain your attention,’’ she said, glancing toward the doorway.

  ‘‘If you’ll excuse me, I believe the servants are ready to serve tea. We’ll visit again,’’ Lilly said, rising from the settee.

  Bella watched as Lilly swept away in a gown of amber and cream. The dress was most magnificent, with a scalloped flounce along the skirt’s edge and ruching tucked with piping along the bodice. Bella looked down at her own gown of gray homespun. The simplicity was a sharp contrast to Lilly’s gown. Bella glanced around the room and realized that her gown was quite plain compared to everyone else’s, save Daughtie’s. Taylor had chided her for not dressing more fashionably, and seeing the beautiful dresses of the other girls made Bella almost wish she could comply. But if I make a new dress now, she reasoned, Taylor Manning will think I’m doing it merely to impress him. She stiffened at the thought. There would be no new gown.

  The time passed quickly as the servants poured tea and offered scrumptious egg and watercress sandwiches accompanied by fancy breads and jelly-filled pastries. Tea was followed by a tour of the house for those who were interested. Bella couldn’t decide what she found the most intriguing, the beauty of the home or the fact that only two people lived alone in this large house.

  The girls clustered together in small groups, one discussing the new millinery shop opened by a widow from Boston who was abreast of the latest fashion news from England, while another group discussed several men who had recently arrived in town. Bella and Daughtie stood on the fringes of one group, where one of the girls whispered that Lilly was expecting a baby. The remark was followed with oohs and aahs from around the circle.

  ‘‘What ever happened to her brother’s child?’’ someone asked.

  ‘‘They never found him, but I understand Lilly hasn’t given up hope. She believes the boy is still alive somewhere, but don’t you think it’s doubtful they would find him now? How long has it been?’’

  ‘‘A couple years, I think,’’ another girl replied.

  Bella was intrigued by the conversation and sat down beside Marmi, one of the girls who had known Lilly prior to her marriage. ‘‘What happened to Mrs. Cheever’s brother?’’ Bella asked.

  ‘‘He died in a fire at the mill. Some say he set the fire, while others say he was helping to put it out. Either way, he died shortly afterward. While on his deathbed, he supposedly told Lilly he had fathered a child. . . .’’

  ‘‘By an Irishwoman,’’ another girl added in a hushed voice.

  Marmi shook her head. ‘‘It doesn’t matter to Lilly if the mother’s Irish. She wants to find the boy. Some thought Lilly might never have a child of her own. I’m truly pleased to hear her news. Perhaps it will ease her pain in case they never find her nephew.’’

  Several more girls joined them, and the talk soon shifted to clothing and jewelry, one of them mentioning the recent shipments of lace and gloves that had arrived in Lowell earlier in the week. Bored with their conversation, Bella excused herself and sauntered into the parlor. Finding an unoccupied chair near a large window overlooking the flower garden along the west side of the house, Bella seated herself. A stoop-shouldered man busied himself pruning bushes and packing fresh dirt around several plants, and as she watched him work, her thoughts drifted back to her earlier conversation with Lilly Cheever. It was clear Lilly had suffered her share of sadness. To lose her mother and brother was difficult enough, but then to know there was a child—one that couldn’t be found—would be a tragedy. It was good, Bella decided, that Lilly had a fine husband and would soon have a child of her own to love. She stood to gain a better view of the gardener as he began planting a bush.

  ‘‘I’d like to think you find me as intriguing as you find the gardener.’’

  Bella whirled around and found herself face-to-face with Taylor Manning.

  ‘‘What are you doing here?’’ She forced herself not to notice the sparkle of his sapphire blue eyes.

  He gave her a wide grin. ‘‘I’d like to tell you that I knew you would be here and I couldn’t stay away. But that wouldn’t be the truth, and I know with all the religion that’s surrounded your life, you might take a dim view of my lying to you. Actually, I’ve come to fetch Mr. Cheever. He told me I could wait in here while he informs Mrs. Cheever he must take his leave; there’s a bit of difficulty that needs his attention. By the way, I’m pleased to see you’ve taken the time to fancy yourself up a bit.’’

  Bella stared at him in disbelief. ‘‘Taken the time to fancy myself up?’’

  ‘‘That trim,’’ he said, pointing his finger toward the lace that now surrounded the cuffs and neckline of her dress. ‘‘You fancied your dress a little. Of course, another color would be better. In fact, a whole new dress would be best, but at least you made an effort.’’

  Her mouth dropped open and formed a small oval. ‘‘Do you spend all of your free time practicing rude behavior, or is your appalling conduct a natural happenstance, Mr. Manning?’’

  Taylor appeared completely baffled by her remark. ‘‘What do you mean? I paid you a compliment.’’

  ‘‘No, you insulted me,’’ she retaliated.

  ‘‘Then I apologize. I was attempting to point out that those Shaker dresses don’t enhance your beauty.’’ He crossed his arms and gave her a proud grin.

  Bella glanced heavenward. ‘‘Shaker dresses, as you call them, are specifically designed to detract from a woman’s . . .’’

  Taylor laughed. ‘‘Shape? Size? Form? Figure? Beauty?’’

  Bella could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. ‘‘All of those,’’ she huffed, quickly turning to walk away.

  Taylor stepped forward and blocked her path. ‘‘Don’t rush off after pointing out that my manners need improvement. The least you can do is remain and lend your assistance.’’

  ‘‘There isn’t sufficient time in my day to correct your manners, sir.’’

  A wide grin spread across Taylor’s face. ‘‘Then perhaps we’ll need to schedule several sessions. I’ll make myself available at your convenience.’’

  Had she not been so angry, the expectant look on his face would have caused her to laugh. ‘‘Either I have a problem speaking or you have a problem understanding. Your manners are reprehensible. I am not available to instruct you in proper etiquette.’’

  ‘‘Well, then,’’ he replied, obviously unruffled, ‘‘I suggest you accompany me to the lyceum. I understand there’s to be a talk on phrenology. The speaker is personally acquainted and has studied with J. G. Spurzheim while in Europe.’’

  Bella hesitated. The Brothers and Sisters at Canterbury had discussed the possible benefits of phrenology in Union Meeting on several occasions. The topic was controversial yet one that had captured the interest of the forward-thinking Shakers—one that Bella found unbelievable but intriguing.

  Taylor shifted his weight to one foot and ca
sually leaned against the thick oak woodwork surrounding the doorway. ‘‘You don’t know what phrenology is and you don’t want to ask me, do you?’’

  His smug tone annoyed Bella. ‘‘Do you?’’ she inquired.

  ‘‘Well, no, but Uncle John said that J. G. Spurzheim is quite renowned in Scotland and England.’’

  ‘‘Phrenologists teach that the human skull takes its shape from the brain. Therefore, by reading the skull an individual can be evaluated for psychological aptitudes and tendencies,’’ Bella articulated.

  ‘‘What?’’

  Matthew and Lilly laughed at Taylor as they approached. ‘‘By all appearances, I would guess that Bella has completely confounded you, Taylor,’’ Lilly observed.

  ‘‘Perhaps just a bit,’’ he admitted. ‘‘I invited her to attend the phrenology lecture with me.’’

  ‘‘Oh yes, I can hardly wait. We’re planning to attend. Perhaps we could all go together,’’ Lilly suggested.

  Taylor gave her a satisfied grin. ‘‘Why, that would be wonderful. Wouldn’t it, Bella?’’

  She knew what Taylor was up to. But it wouldn’t work. ‘‘Quite frankly, I would enjoy attending the lyceum. However, Mr. Manning has insulted me numerous times since his arrival this afternoon, and I find his company abhorrent.’’

  Matthew’s eyebrows arched. ‘‘Well, in that case . . .’’

  ‘‘I’m sure Taylor would be on his best behavior, Bella. And the lecture is sure to be a fine one. Why don’t you rethink your decision?’’ Lilly interrupted. ‘‘In fact, if it will make your decision easier, you can pretend that Taylor isn’t even along—except for the ticket, of course. I understand that the program is sold out,’’ she added.

  ‘‘He’s already insulted my attire. I’m sure my dowdy appearance would prove an embarrassment,’’ Bella explained.

  Matthew cleared his throat and grinned at his wife. ‘‘I hate to interrupt before you’ve reached a resolution to this quandary. However, Taylor came here to fetch me. Seems there may be some difficulty brewing with the Irish, and neither Kirk nor Paul can be found.’’